RACHEL COCKMAN BASKETBALL

From the Iditarod Trail to the Hardwood—Grit, Guts, and Game.

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Born and raised in the remote town of Cantwell, Alaska (population 200), Rachel Cockman’s journey to basketball was anything but ordinary. Before she could walk, she was riding in her mother’s dog sled, and by her teenage years, she had raced in and completed the Junior Iditarod and the Willow 100 three times. The endurance, resilience, and mental toughness developed on the frozen trails of Alaska became the foundation for her basketball career. Despite growing up in a place without a high school team, Rachel’s dedication and relentless work ethic helped her earn a spot at Western Colorado University, where she played four standout seasons and developed into a dominant force on the court.

A 6’2” three-level scorer, Rachel consistently led her team in field goal percentage, showcasing her efficiency in the paint, mid-range, and beyond the arc. In her final season, she shot an impressive 55.4% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. Her skill and leadership earned her multiple accolades, including RMAC Honorable Mention (2023), Second Team All-Conference (2023–24), and First Team All-Conference (2024–25). She also claimed MVP honors at the prestigious North Star Invitational in Alaska and was named to the First All-Academic Team twice.

As a two-year team captain, Rachel’s leadership extended beyond the court—mentoring younger players, fostering a winning culture, and giving back to her community. She volunteered for two years with Gunnison Valley Mentors, working one-on-one with local youth and making a lasting impact. She also coached countless youth basketball camps, helping young athletes develop both skills and confidence.

Spending summers in Hawaii since 2021, she balanced work at jewelry stores, a cacao farm, and a sushi restaurant while staying deeply connected to the local basketball scene—training, playing pickup, and coaching high school post players. Now, Rachel is preparing to take her game to the professional level in Europe, ready to bring her unique blend of grit, skill, and leadership to the next stage.

During Rachel’s collegiate basketball career, one of the most defining parts of her journey was the transformation of her team. In her early years, the program faced major challenges, finishing with records of 6-21 and 7-20. There were difficult moments—times when the future felt uncertain. But Rachel stayed committed, and so did her teammates.

By her senior year, their persistence paid off. The team finished 21-8, just one win shy of the most victories in program history. The turnaround was more than just numbers—it was a testament to the culture shift, the buy-in from every player, and the shared belief in something greater than themselves.

For Rachel, helping turn Western into a winning program stands as one of her proudest achievements. Being part of a team that overcame adversity and rebuilt from the ground up is an experience she’ll carry with her forever.

Rachel is deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion, values that guide both her personal and professional life. She is pursuing a minor in Humanities and Diversity, driven by a commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected. Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in the community, she strives to make those around her feel comfortable and included—and seeks to work alongside others who share that same dedication to equality in all spaces.

SCOUTING REPORT

Rachel is a strong 6’2 player who is a 3 level scorer. She led her team in college every year in field goal percentage, averaging 55% in her most recent season. She can score in the paint back to basket and facing up in the mid post. She is very efficient in mid range jump shots and 3 point shooting. Rachel shot 38% from 3 in her most recent season on 1.4 attempts per game. What sets Rachel apart is her work ethic and drive to always improve. She is a team-first oriented player and is a great teammate.

NATIONALITY

AMERICAN

BORN

10.23.2002

BIRTHPLACE

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

AVAILABILTY

AVAILABLE

Statistics

Achievements & Awards

High School

• 4A first team all state in 2020-21

Western Colorado University

• RMAC all conference honorable mention 2022-23
• RMAC 2nd team all conference 2023-24
• RMAC 1st team all conference 2024-25
• RMAC 1st team all-academic 2023-24-25
• All-district academic team 2023-24-25